What is the Uncensored Library?
Reporters Without Borders (RWB) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO). RWB, also known as Reporters sans frontières (RSF) in French, is headquartered in Paris. This organisation has created a virtual library within the popular video game Minecraft.
The virtual library's name is "The Uncensored Library." It contains publications and writings that are banned in countries such as Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Governments in these nations limit internet access and use disinformation to control public opinion. RSF designed the Minecraft library so that people from different nations can read the articles that are banned in their country.
This game and the Uncensored Library are both easily accessible. To access the library, one needs to install Minecraft. The map can be found in the 'downloads' section of the website.
Can the governments access this library?
Certain protections are in place to prevent the government from accessing this virtual library. The map is stored on a blockchain cloud storage platform, making it hard to hack or delete.
RSF has carefully chosen the articles and books in this library. The players can read the books, but they cannot be edited. These books can educate people about their countries' actual political situations and the value of press freedom.
What is press freedom?
RSF says press freedom means the ability of a journalist to write and distribute news without facing any physical or mental harassment.
Many times, the information that the press wishes to report is against a country’s government or other powerful people. So, these organisations or bad people try to harm journalists and reporters. Press freedom refers to the press's ability to publish the real truth without fear of being harmed.
The press also helps expose corruption. But in some countries, the press and the media are not free to openly publish the news if it is against the government or powerful people in the country. Every year, RSF launches the World Press Freedom Index.
What exactly is the World Press Freedom Index?
The World Press Freedom Index is a report card to measure press freedom in 180 countries. RSF studies various data about each country to examine the freedom enjoyed by its press. Every year, on 3rd May, the report is released. This day is also known as World Press Freedom Day.
What is India’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index?
India's rank in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index is 161 out of 180 nations. The top three ranked countries in this report are Norway, Ireland, and Denmark. The bottom three are Vietnam, China, and North Korea.
The Indian government must protect the country’s journalists. Only then can India’s rank increase in the World Press Freedom Index.
